Anyone have positive experiences with any Music Theory and/or Ear Training software? I've read some encouraging reviews on both Ars Nova and MiBAC software. Any real world confirmation on these or any others?

Thanks,
-P220ST

Hey P220ST,

I'm not a fan of these types of software. Musicians have been training their ears for centuries with techniques such as Sight Singing. Learning to read standard notation would be a huge real world advantage. when I read, I 'play' the melody, rhythym, or harmony in my mind's ear at the same time. very much like reading a book to yourself. get the recorded version as well. makes learning to read a bit easier.

make sure you learn to read in all 12 keys :)

Chris,

Thanks for your response. Even though I have musical skill and perhaps some talent, I have severe problems with formal ear training. I guess I'm looking for some sort of instructional model that would be a key for that lock in my brain. It's been this way forever. Concertmaster, Theory grade: A- Ear Training grade: C- and yet there's something within me that knows I don't completely suck. Truthfully, though, I am confused. Hence the search. Lookin' for something different.

Again, thanks.
P220ST

Does anyone have any specific experience with ear training software for Mac?

I was currently looking at Sibelius' Auralia 2 (for Mac). I want to do the standard stuff like intervals, scales, rhythmic dictation, chord recognition, etc...

theres free software on the interwebs i downloaded and use, not very shiny or fancy or anything, but it contains what you need as a musician. the link=
http://www.solfege.org/Solfege/Download?from=Main.Download

Does it work for Mac?

Does it work for Mac?

Did you look at the link? :hmm:

Anyone have positive experiences with any Music Theory and/or Ear Training software? I've read some encouraging reviews on both Ars Nova and MiBAC software. Any real world confirmation on these or any others?

Thanks,
-P220ST

This web site has some really good stuff including ear training.

Ear training and more (http://www.iwasdoingallright.com/)

Did you look at the link? :hmm:

Yeah, there's a link called "Windows Installer", that's why the hesitation.

Yeah, there's a link called "Windows Installer", that's why the hesitation.

I would say if all they mention is Windows and Linux there isn't a Mac version. The OSS world has limited Mac support. Check out the link in my other post, it is Java based so it works fine on my Mac.

I've used Earmaster Pro. You can download a trialversion at www.download.com - it really helped me improve my relative pitch and a few other things. (And no, I don't know if this works with mac)

I would say if all they mention is Windows and Linux there isn't a Mac version. The OSS world has limited Mac support. Check out the link in my other post, it is Java based so it works fine on my Mac.

Actually, it's kinda buried in the documentation since it isn't a simple "double click to install' setup.

Check out this link (http://www.solfege.org/Solfege/InstallingSolfege#toc5) for installation instructions. This link assumes you're running OS X 10.4 (Tiger) and is a bit involved since you have to install some libraries before trying to compile the source. This also means you'll need to have installed OS X's developer tools from your install DVD.

Since this software is tied to the gtk GUI libraries, it will run in the X11 windowing system and won't look or act like an Aqua application.

Actually, it's kinda buried in the documentation since it isn't a simple "double click to install' setup.

Check out this link (http://www.solfege.org/Solfege/InstallingSolfege#toc5) for installation instructions. This link assumes you're running OS X 10.4 (Tiger) and is a bit involved since you have to install some libraries before trying to compile the source. This also means you'll need to have installed OS X's developer tools from your install DVD.

Since this software is tied to the gtk GUI libraries, it will run in the X11 windowing system and won't look or act like an Aqua application.

OSS technically runs on anything, but is usually a PIA at best. Even on supported platforms you end up chasing dependacies down the rabbit hole. IMO if something doesn't come with an installer for the platform its not supported. Even then you can still get bit by dependencies.

Before you reply... I spent the last twenty years in computers, bought my first copy of Linux and FreeBSD in 1994, and have been a Liunx SA and developer. I have moved away from Linux and OSS in general. Got tired of all the time spent patching, chasing dependencies, shortage of drivers. I moved to Mac to spend more time using my computer than supporting it. and yes I know OS X is based on Mach and Darwin. Sorry to be defensive, but I know how Linux advocates go on attack if someone says something that isn't 110% supportive.

In case you didn't notice my signature ;) I'm not a Linux advocate even though I did work with it when working on my BS CS.

In case you didn't notice my signature ;) I'm not a Linux advocate even though I did work with it when working on my BS CS.

Sorry I didn't notice, I apologize.